Siemens to provide Afghanistan mobile gas turbine

KABUL (Pajhwok): An international engineering and technology giant will provide its SGT-A45 mobile gas turbine that will form the foundation of a three-phase energy project in Afghanistan.

In a press release, Siemens announced signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to the effect with the Bayat Power and the Afghan government.

Upon completion, the project will provide more than 200 megawatts of electricity within the country -- enough to meet the needs of more than 700,000 Afghan homes and businesses.

Additionally, it will give rise to much-needed jobs in the agribusiness, mining and manu. The MOU was signed at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the SGT-A45 in Houston.

Dr. Hamdullah Mohib, Afghan ambassador to the United States, said: “Here, deep in the Heart of Texas is where Afghanistan will begin her challenging, but vital mission to rebuild our domestic power production industry -- and provide all Afghans with reliable and affordable electric power.

“Using the powerful, next generation SGT-A45 mobile gas turbine, the Bayat Power 1 gas-to-power project will help further the foundation upon which the American people and the Afghan people, working together, can help create thousands of jobs here in Houston – and a future of energy independence for Afghanistan.”

Martin Tartibi, global head, for SGT-A45 Mobile Unit of Siemens Energy, said: "Siemens has decades of experience in the development of gas turbine technology. We continue to innovate to address the changing needs of the market, and the SGT-A45 is a solution that meets and exceeds the need for fast power.”

“We are pleased to announce this MoU that will provide flexible and rapid supply of electricity for the critical power needs of Afghanistan, and Bayat Power customers.”

The Bayat Power 1 gas-to-power program was announced last year, with an MOU between Bayat Power and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, calling for a three phase, $250 million Independent Power Producer (IPP) investment programme.

“We look forward to working with the Afghan government, our technical partners like Siemens and most importantly, our fellow citizens, in our mission to create jobs and opportunities which benefit the entire nation.”

Siemens SGT-A45 aeroderivative gas turbine is the most powerful mobile unit on the market, generating up to 44 Megawatts, and designed to provide immediate power to the grid, fulfilling a growing demand for fast power, particularly in remote or developing regions with infrastructure limitations.

The SGT-A45 is packaged for rapid deployment and can be installed in less than two weeks. Its design features outstanding power density, high fuel efficiency and excellent operational flexibility.

The SGT-A45 gas turbine can run on gas or liquid fuels, and transition smoothly between both fuel types while in operation. Low NOx emissions can be achieved with optional water injection, which also boosts the unit’s power output particularly in warm climates.